Peritonitis definition

Peritonitis Main Page
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Overview
Causes
Classification Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Secondary Peritonitis
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shivani Chaparala M.B.B.S [2]

Definition

Peritonitis defined as the inflammation of the peritoneum from any cause which lines abdominal cavity and the internal organs as a serosal membrane. Contrast to peritonitis, Intrabdominal infection is defined as the inflammation of peritoneum due to infectious cause.

Primary or Spontaneous Peritonitis

Primary peritonitis is defined as the infection of the peritoneal cavity which is spontaneous and often associated with liver disease and ascites. It is also known as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Primary peritonitis lacks an identifiable anatomical derangement.

Secondary Peritonitis

Secondary peritonitis is defined as the infection of the peritoneum due to spillage of organisms into the peritoneal cavity resulting from hollow viscus perforation, anastomotic leak, ischemic necrosis, or other injuries of the gastrointestinal tract.

Tertiary Peritonitis

Tertiary peritonitis is defined as the persistant or recurrent intra-abdominal infection that occur in ≥48 hours following the successful and adequate surgical source control of primary or secondary peritonitis.